JJ Hart is autistic. His six pet chickens live in the Hart family's back yard. His family said the chickens help JJ's development and the chicken's eggs help supplement his very strict gluten-free diet.

But the City of Debary said a citizen complained about the chickens and claimed they were a code violation. The city ordered the chickens removed.

The Hart family has been fighting that order for months, even hiring an attorney.

On Wednesday night, the Hart family asked the City Council to let their chickens be an exception to the law.

Instead, to the surprise of the Hart family, the council introduced an ordinance to change the law, allowing backyard chickens.

The Hart family is happy with the ordinance, but said there are a few issues. It would only allow for three chickens, while JJ has six.

The ordinance is also just a pilot program, meaning it would expire in a year. That could mean the Hart family will have to endure the same fight in another 12 months.

All council members spoke in favor of the ordinance. It will be discussed again at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at DeBary City Hall.